Auto thefts and car prowls in our area are on the rise; Here's how to prevent them

Auto thefts and car prowls in our area are on the rise; Here's how to prevent them

Thu, 05/03/2018

By Jennifer Danner

Seattle Police Crime Prevention Coordinator

The SW Precinct would like to focus on preventing vehicle related crimes- including auto theft and car prowl. Though we have seen a decrease in auto thefts from March to April, we are still above last year in this crime category. Fortunately, there are some important prevention techniques to keep in mind to decrease your likelihood of being a victim of auto theft and car prowl.

 

What is auto theft?

-Theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle

What is a car prowl?

-Unlawful taking of motor vehicle contents or parts

Both of these crimes are referred to as crimes of opportunity and can happen very fast! An experienced car thief can break in and steal a car in less than one minute!

What are some prevention techniques for car prowl and auto theft?

-Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you’re away, even for ‘just a minute’, please remember this is illegal in Seattle and in Washington (SMC 11.70.160, RCW 46.61.600)

-Remove remote garage door openers from vehicle

-Always lock doors and roll up windows, even if the car is parked in front of your home

-Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked

-If possible, park vehicle in a busy, locked, monitored and/or well-lit area

-Utilize anti-theft devices

-If possible, activate alarm

 

What else can you do?

-Be observant! If you see something, say something!

-Remember to always report all crimes and suspicious activity to the Seattle Police Department by calling 911

-Organize and/or get involved with Block Watch

 

Below you will find my contact information, including email address and phone numbers. Keep an eye out for my newsletter next month, which will again focus on a specific crime/safety issue and include important prevention techniques. Below you will also find upcoming event in the SW Precinct in the next month, as well as other resources- such as the Seattle Police non-emergency phone number, the link for our online-reporting system and the link for how to ‘thank an SPD employee’.

 

Contact me with questions, concerns, to request my presence at a future meeting, to discuss Block Watch, to request a free safety/security assessment of your home or business and/or if you are interested in free firearm cable locks.

 

Email address: Jennifer.Danner@seattle.gov

Desk phone number: (206) 256-6820

Work cell phone number: (206) 471-2849

 

Upcoming events in SW Precinct-

  • West Seattle Crime Prevention Council Meeting
    • Tuesday May 15th, 7pm- 8:30pm, at the SW Precinct (2300 SW Webster St)
  • West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network Meeting
    • Tuesday May 22nd, 6:30pm- 8:30pm, at the SW Precinct (2300 SW Webster St)

 

Other resources-

Robinson Papers
West Seattle Herald